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March 2023

Gear List: Backpacking Gear for Family of 4

Guest Authors: Shannon & Tyson Head (@restlesscrusade)

When heading into the backcountry with kids (that can’t carry much weight in their own packs), you need to make sure you have everything you need but at the most minimal level. Finding gear that is ultra lightweight is a really good option but can be expensive. You don’t need the best and lightest to get out into the backcountry, but it does make it easier on you. When we first started out we didn’t really pay much attention to how much things weighed as it was just the two of us. Now with our girls in tow we have started to reassess what we have and are starting to switch out some of our heavier things for lighter, when gear goes on sale.

We have things pretty dialed in as to what we need and don’t need when heading into the backcountry with our two girls. After all, everything we bring has to fit in our two packs being an 85L and a 60+10L. We hope you find this detailed list helpful when getting ready to adventure with your littles!

How we all dress for day of hike:

  • Merino wool T-shirt

  • Shorts/pants

  • Underwear

  • Merino wool socks

Kids clothing:

This list is for 2 kids of the same age that wear the same size, and therefore can be shared if needed.

  • Merino wool base layer set x2

  • Pants x2

  • Sweater x2

  • Underwear x4

  • T-shirt x2

  • Mitts x2

  • Toque x2

  • Brimmed hat x2

  • Rain jacket and pants x2

  • Puffer jacket x2

  • Socks x2

  • Pull-ups x2 (wear at night as a precaution, as a wet sleeping bag could end the trip)

Shannon's clothing:

Tyson's clothing:

Sleep setup:

Cooking stuff:

We all eat our meals out of the same pot/dehydrated meal bag so don’t bring plates/bowls.

Water filtration:

We bring two types of water filtration as we use the SteriPen while hiking, refilling our water bottles at creeks and streams along the way, and the Platypus GravityWorks once at camp.

Essentials:

Food:

Disclaimer This is what we bring for our multi days. This is just a rough guide more for ideas than actual amounts. This WILL vary for everyone.

  • Dehydrated meals x the amount of days you will be gone plus 1 extra just in case

  • Snacks - granola bars, protein bars, fruit bars, trail mix, chips

  • Electrolyte drinks

  • Oatmeal

  • Powdered peanut butter

  • Wraps, salami, cheese, mayo packets

  • Bagels

  • Beef jerky

  • Apples, veggies

  • Lifesavers (keep in waist belt of pack for quick energy boost)

Footwear:

  • Girls - Waterproof hiking boots & Rubber Boots/shoes (depending on season)

  • Shannon - Scarpa Gore-Tex hiking boots & Crocs

  • Tyson - Hiking boots & Crocs

Backpacks:

Tyson’s - Osprey Aether Plus 85L mens
Shannon’s - Deuter Aircontact 60+10L womens

Girls’: - Mini backpacks - 2 stuffies, small blanket, granola bar, fruit snacks (hiking candy)

Trail Magik x2 - These we keep hidden from the girls, but they are there for when they get tired and need a ride.

And, the final thing, which we often tend to forget…

  • Hiking poles x3 - Sometimes the girls want them so we bring one extra pair that we can rotate with.

A few items may be added or removed depending on the season and duration of the hike and weather forecast.

This gear list is just a guide of what we bring. There may be other things you will need that are not on this list. Please use your own judgment when packing for your trip!